Stirling Silliphant and Norman Jewison give Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger two of the best roles of their careers within a — shhh, better whisper — a powerful social statement. Down home racism meets its match in a murder mystery that helped calm the country in an explosive year. Warren Oates, Lee Grant and Larry Gates fellow-travel for this gem as well, and don’t forget the barrier-crossing song by Quincy Jones and Marilyn & Alan Bergman, sung by Ray Charles. Reviewed by Charlie Largent, on Blu-ray from The Criterion Collection.01/29/19